Nita Ambani becomes first Indian woman IOC member

Rio de Janeiro: Reliance foundation chairperson Nita Ambani was on Thursday elected as an individual member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making her the first Indian woman to be part of the world body.

Ambani, who is the only individual member from India, will be at the world body until she attains the age of 70, IOC announced.

After being nominated in June 2016 by the IOC Executive Board, she was elected by IOC members in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday at the 129th IOC session.

The independent selection process follows a new procedure for the recruitment of IOC members based on the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations; those nominated are done so wholly on merit and then elected by existing IOC members.

After being elected, Ambani, the architect of the Indian Super League (ISL), said: “I am truly humbled and overwhelmed to be elected by the IOC. This is a recognition of the growing importance of India in the world stage and a recognition for Indian women.”

“I have always believed in the power of sport to shape our youth. I believe that sports brings together communities, cultures, and generations has the power to unify and unite people. I look forward to spreading the spirit of Olympics and sports across our nation,” she added.